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About Dr. Alyssa Medina

Welcome to Phoenix Counseling!

My name is Alyssa and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and have worked in the mental health field since 2013. My journey to become an LPC actually began when, as a psychology student at the University of Arizona, I first worked with children in families going through divorce. This sparked my passion for supporting others going through a difficult period and inspired me to obtain my master's degree. In my therapeutic work, I come, first and foremost, from a person-centered perspective. This perspective emphasizes building an accepting, genuine, and supportive relationship with you as the foundation for all therapeutic work we do together. Creating a compassionate, non-judgmental environment where you feel free to share your experiences without fear of judgment is the beginning of growth and change.

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” - Carl R. Rogers

In addition to this person-centered philosophy, I use an integrative, evidence-based approach to counseling that draws from EMDR and trauma-informed modalities, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based counseling, and motivational interviewing with specialized training in addiction, trauma, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). By drawing from multiple perspectives, I am better able to meet you where you are and support you with your individual needs. I have experience working with concerns such as depression, anxiety, grief/loss and bereavement, life transitions, interpersonal and work conflict, couple’s issues, LGBTQ+ concerns, girls and women’s issues, stress management, self-esteem, addiction, and trauma.

Beyond my work as a counselor, I find joy in cooking, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, learning, spending quality time with those I love, enjoying time in nature, and traveling. These interests have reinforced my belief in a holistic model of wellness, focusing on tending to not only emotional wellbeing, but physical, social, and spiritual wellbeing to achieve our most whole and fulfilled selves.

My Education and Training

I obtained my master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Old Dominion University (ODU) in 2017 and my PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision from ODU in 2021. I have trained and worked in residential treatment, intensive in-home services, community mental health, outpatient and EAP counseling, inpatient psychiatric facilities, crisis stabilization, and detox services.

I have had the opportunity to serve clients ranging from children to adults with a wide variety of mental health concerns. Over the past several years, I have become passionate for working with teens and adults who experience complex trauma, women and mothers experiencing relationship and parenting challenges, first responders, and individuals going through life transitions.

Qualifications

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
  • Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision (2021)
  • M.S.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (2017)
  • EMDR Certified Therapist™ (2024)
  • IFS Informed (2024)
  • International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Center of Excellence Preferred Provider

Inspirational Quotes

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." -Anais Nin

"If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them." - Henry David Thoreau

“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” - Albus Dumbledore, The Prisoner of Azkaban

"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together." - Vincent Van Gogh

"You don't need to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"Every morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most." - Gautama Buddha

"Don't give up. Normally it is the last key on the ring which opens the door." - Paul Coelho

"The green reed which bends in the wind is stronger than the mighty ok which breaks in the storm." - Confucius

May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears." - Nelson Mandela

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." - Aesop

"The inspiration you seek is already within you. Be silent and listen." - Rumi

"Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance." - Eckhart Tolle

Are you ready to take the first step?

Reach out to me today!

Please complete the form below to schedule an appointment.
I will try my best to accommodate your request and will be in touch ASAP.

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